SAN ANTONIO — 'Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the dancehalls, all the creatures were stirring from the partyin' going on.

Here's a trio of special Christmas shows through Sunday — and another smack dab on Christmas Day.

MC & The Mystyx Christmas Party will take place at 9 p.m. Friday at Tra's Country. Fronted by Cathy Ruiz, The Mystyx are Melody Ackerman, lead guitar; Larry Grubbs, bass and vocals; and Kirk Scott, drums and vocals.

They play a mix of country, rockabilly, rock and R&B. They'll also be at the Pearl Farmers Market from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday and Oma Gruene's Secret Garden in Gruene at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Two-stepping specialist Gary P. Nunn once again will play the Christmas Ball at Luckenbach Dance Hall at 9 p.m. Saturday.

One of the pioneers of outlaw country in the 1970s, the iconic Nunn is known for keeping boots on the floor with a ton of real-deal country songs, including his trademark “London Homesick Blues” — you know, the one with the chorus, “I wanna go home with the armadillo.”

Back from playing last week at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Mario Flores & The Soda Creek Band will play its Christmas party at Bobby J's in Helotes at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Flores cracked into the Top 5 for his second time on the Texas Regional Radio Report with the twanging barroom meeting song “Let Your Lonesome End With Me,” which is No. 2 this week.

Flores also will be at the Longhorn Saloon in Bandera on Friday and The Phoenix Saloon in New Braunfels on Saturday.

This will be the dance band's 33rd year in a row to play the Christmas dance, which is open to the public. The event raises funds for the D'Hanis High School Booster Club.

For the past 10 years, some 500 folks attended the event at Quihi Gun Club & Dance Hall, but it will move back to the church this year.

Holiday weekend

While not Christmas-themed, more than a few hot shows are vying for attention during the holiday weekend.

At The Korova on Friday, The Rev. Horton Heat will bring his flaming psychobilly with new tunes from his 11th studio album, “Rev,” set for release Jan. 21. Also on the bill are retro-country crooner Dale Watson and “countrybilly” stars Two Tons of Steel.

At Cowboys Dancehall on Friday, the Casey Donahew Band and Cody Johnson are sure to play their new hits. Donahew's “Small Town Love” is at No. 13 on the Texas Music chart, while Johnson's “Dance Her Home” is No. 15.

John T. Floore Country Store will feature a song-swapping acoustic show with Stoney LaRue and Cody Canada on Friday, with Cheyenne KC opening, and Aaron Watson with Bri Bagwell on Saturday.

At Sam's Burger Joint, Zack Walther & The Awe Hells will team up with Tom Gillam on Friday while Johnny Chops will open for Uncle Lucius on Saturday.

Charlie Robison, who is working songs from an upcoming album into his shows, and Cody Jinks will hit Luckenbach Dance Hall on Friday night.

Reckless Kelly, whose rocking take on country includes the No. 1 Texas single “The Last Goodbye,” will play Gruene Hall on Saturday. George Devore will open.

The Rocky King Band will bring traditional country western swing to the monthly dance at Anhalt Hall in Spring Branch on Saturday.